Utooni Development / Our Work / Agroecology
Overall objective
The agroecology project aims to achieve food security through a solidarity approach.
The project had a target of 1,200 participants (900 F, 300 M) grouped into 60 solidarity groups and school clubs. The project works in conjunction with 90 stakeholders (35 M, 45 F) which involve local administrators, religious leaders, village elders, and county government staff. The project has surpassed its target and has reached 1,214 participants (963 F, 251 M), translating to an increase of 14 participants. The project targets small-scale farmers in Kaiti Sub-County, in four villages which are Utaati, Mukuyuni, Kalembwani, and Kaiti. The project has 3,215 direct beneficiaries (1,211 M, 2004 F) and 19,290 indirect beneficiaries (7,266 M, 12,024). All the 60 solidarity groups have common fields and 56 of them employ common labour. At the individual level 940 farmers (235 M, 705 F) have adopted soil and water conservation, 1,180 Farmers (245 M, 935 F) have established Kitchen gardens, 940 farmers (235 M, 705 F) have established food forests, 48 solidarity groups have adopted the saving component, composing of 1,003 farmers (265 M, 738 F)
Through solidarity approach, farmers have witnessed cheap labour in their farms which has led in designing and lying of farm structures such as terraces and tree planting holes for food forest which are labour intensive. The agroecological trainings have enabled farmers to produce more and healthier food on a small piece of land, group members access loans from thier saving without being exploited. Farmers have acquired skills in compost manure preparation and integrated pest management which has lowered the cost of farming. Multi story gardens through agroecology trainings have increased availability of vegetables to farmers during harsh weather conditions.)
The application of agro ecological practices i.e. soil fertility, water conservation and harvesting and diversification enabled 3215 direct beneficiaries to achieve food security and healthier diets.
Strengthened members of solidarity groups are empowered to manage their own savings and credit schemes to cover basic needs, reduce loses and exploitation
Strengthened members of solidarity groups and school agro ecology clubs undertake common initiatives and common labour that ensured food security in quantity and quality
Dare to change – promote global justice.
Fastenopfer is the aid organization for Catholics in Switzerland. We stand up for disadvantaged people – for a fairer world and overcoming hunger and poverty.
We promote social, cultural, economic and also individual changes towards a sustainable way of life. To this end, we work with partner organizations in 14 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and organizations in Switzerland.
